Tension in the Golan... Israeli Army Brings in Reinforcements

Hundreds from Arab Druze villages in the Golan Heights organized a protest today, Wednesday, against Israeli plans to establish a wind farm, with some clashing violently with riot police, resulting in several injuries. Druze leader Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif told the website of the newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" that "everyone should have expected what happened today," as protesters burned tires along a road in the village of Buq'ata and in a nearby orchard, while throwing stones at police from behind makeshift shields. A video distributed by the police showed tear gas being fired and water cannons used against the Druze protesters. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that the government is moving forward with a "major plan" to address the Druze's complaints. However, he added in a statement that there is no justification for violence over a legally constructed wind farm. Paramedics reported that two people were evacuated for treatment, and the police mentioned that several of their officers were injured.